French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe

Introduction

The French Dip Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic sandwich, combining savory roast beef and melted Swiss cheese with sweet caramelized onions. Served with a warm au jus for dipping, this hearty sandwich is perfect for a comforting meal anytime.

Ingredients

• 8 slices crusty French bread
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 12 ounces thinly sliced roast beef
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for spreading
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the onions to a plate and set aside.
2. Step 2: Wipe the skillet clean. In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Strain the mixture through a small strainer and keep warm.
3. Step 3: Lay 4 slices of French bread on your work surface. On each slice, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, a generous portion of roast beef, caramelized onions, and then another slice of Swiss cheese. Top each with a remaining slice of bread to form sandwiches.
4. Step 4: Spread unsalted butter evenly on the outside of each sandwich, covering both sides.
5. Step 5: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grill the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently, until the bread is crisp and golden, and the cheese has melted.
6. Step 6: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately with the warm au jus for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the caramelized onions.
• Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a nuttier taste.
• Use a panini press to grill the sandwiches evenly and quickly.
• Try adding horseradish sauce inside the sandwich for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispness or in a toaster oven. Keep the au jus separate and reheat on the stovetop before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, caramelized onions can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before assembling your sandwiches.

What can I use if I don’t have French bread?

A crusty baguette or a hearty Italian bread works well as a substitute for French bread and provides a similar texture and flavor.

French Dip Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

This French Dip Grilled Cheese sandwich combines tender roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and sweet caramelized onions between crusty French bread slices. Served with a savory homemade au jus for dipping, this comforting sandwich is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread & Cheese

• 8 slices crusty French bread
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Meat

• 12 ounces thinly sliced roast beef

Onions & Butter

• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for spreading
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Au Jus

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Prepare Au Jus: Wipe the skillet clean. In a small saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh thyme sprig. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Strain the mixture through a fine strainer to remove solids, then keep the au jus warm.
3. Build Sandwiches: Lay out 4 slices of French bread on a work surface. On each slice, layer one slice of Swiss cheese, a generous portion of roast beef, a portion of caramelized onions, and a second slice of Swiss cheese. Top each with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
4. Butter the Bread: Evenly spread unsalted butter on the outside of each sandwich to ensure a crisp golden exterior when grilled.
5. Grill Sandwiches: Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until the bread is crisp and golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
6. Serve: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately alongside the warm au jus for dipping, enhancing the rich flavors of the sandwich.

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, caramelize onions slowly over lower heat if time permits.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the saltiness of the au jus.
• Fresh thyme adds a nice herbal note; substitute with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
• Pressing the sandwich while grilling helps achieve even melting and a compact sandwich.
• Serve with a side of pickles or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: French dip grilled cheese, roast beef sandwich, caramelized onions, au jus, grilled sandwich, Swiss cheese, comforting sandwich